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Billing for Additional afib ablation after PVI ablation 93657

EP provider completes PVI ablation and confirms entrance and exit block from the pulmonary veins (93656). He documented patient had known typical atrial flutter and does a CTI ablation (93655).

"And then complete ablation of the right atrial subeustachian isthmus and the left atrial Marshall bundle were identified as possible potentiating triggers for atrial fibrillation and were therefore ablated for atrial fibrillation remaining after pulmonary vein isolation." 

Can I bill 93657 x 2 for the ablation of the right atrial subeustachian isthmus and the left atrial Marshall bundle with the documentation provided above?

Billing 93622 for LV pacing/recording after PVI ablation completed

Can I report code 93622 for this case?

"EP provider completes PVI ablation and confirms entrance and exit block of pulmonary veins. Then, we began an intravenous drug infusion with adenosine and delivered programmed stimulation with atrial burst pacing from the coronary sinus catheter down to atrial tissue refractoriness to induce arrhythmias. The ablator was advanced into the left ventricle and pacing was delivered for heart rate support after heart block was observed during adenosine infusion."

Carotid Endarterectomy with Pruitt-Inahara shunt

Is there anything additional to code/bill when a Pruitt-Inahara shunt is necessary to maintain adequate blood pressure?

"Distal internal carotid artery was skeletonized and secured by vessel loops, and vascular clamps were applied. The EEG was initially unchanged; however, the technician notified me that it was now depressed. I attempted to raise the blood pressure; however, it remained depressed. A Pruitt-Inahara shunt was placed in the usual manner with return of the EEG to baseline and remained at baseline for the remainder of the procedure. Arteriotomy and standard endarterectomy were then successfully completed."

Documentation of bubble study

Would this documentation be considered sufficient to report code 93308 for a bubble study completed during a right heart cath? "Echo with agitated saline showed no bubbles in the left atrium or left ventricle. Limited quality windows, but no obvious right-to-left shunt."

alcohol ablation VOM

It seems like more and more EP providers are doing alcohol ablation for VOM, and it is my understanding that this is part of codes 93656 and 93655. I see that the new service for alcohol VOM ablation has been approved. Does that mean the new service coding has been built? If so, can you please explain exactly how I should bill these procedures moving forward?

93978 with every TEE?

We have a physician who is questioning as to why we are not charging for code 93978, Duplex scan of aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts; complete study. She said that the duplex is always done during a TEE. We do not see the documentation to support this in the report. Is it true that 93978 is always done with TEEs? What documentation would be necessary in order to report code 93978 with 93312, 93320, 93325? 

Indirect Portal Venogram vs Direct Portal Venogram

Is this indirect portal venogram billed with 36481 in addition to the hepatic veins selection?

"US-guided RIJ vein access, hepatic fourth order vein selection. Transcatheter venous pressure measurement, indirect portal venogram. RIJ vein was accessed under continued US guidance. A single US image of access was obtained for documentation. A wire was advanced into a fourth order branch of the right hepatic vein, and a 5 French catheter was passed. The wire was removed and pressure measurements taken, both wedge and free. Right atrial pressure was measured. The catheter was wedged, and multiple indirect portal venograms were performed. The catheter was repositioned into the left hepatic vein, and then the middle hepatic vein and fourth order branches were selected. Multiple indirect portal venograms were performed in both these branches."

XR SPINE SCOLIOSIS STANDARD

Please advise the CPT coding for these two notes. Thank you!

Order: XR SPINE SCOLIOSIS STANDARD (STANDING AP, LAT); XR LUMBOSACRAL SPINE STANDARD + FLEX AND EXT

Clinical- Scoliosis

Technique:

Scoliosis series with stitched frontal and lateral standing views of the entire spine to assess total spine alignment.

Four views of the lumbosacral spine including flexion/extension views

Report# 2-

Order: XR LUMBOSACRAL SPINE 2-VIEW (AP, LAT); XR SPINE SCOLIOSIS STANDARD (STANDING AP, LAT)

CLINICAL HISTORY: spinal stenosis ; spinal stenosis.

TECHNIQUE: Scoliosis series with stitched frontal and lateral standing views of the entire spine to assess total spine alignment.

Two views of the lumbosacral spine.

COMPLETE ECHO

Would the below support billing 93306? This was the whole report, and it seems to be very short, although it appears to hit the required elements. Should there be more depth of information documented?

Findings:

1) Technically diff apical imaging windows due to body habits

2) Rt ventricle 2.8cm

3) Lt atrium 4.2cm

4) Aortic root 2.8cm

5) Lt ventricular internal dimensions 3.9/2.6cm

6) Lt ventricular wall thickness 1.3/1.3cm

7) Lt ventricular systolic function is normal with a visually estimated EF of 60% & no definite regional wall motion abnormalities.

8) Aortic valve is suboptimally visualized. Some measure of aortic stenosis is probably present. The calculated aortic valve area was 1.6-1.8 cm2, which is not inconsistent with the 2-dimensional appearance of the valve.

9) No significant mitral valve dysfunction.

10) Peak tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity is 1.7 meters per second, suggestive of normal rt heart pressures.

11) There is a relatively echo free space anteriorly, which is consistent with a small pericardial effusion or epicardial fat.

ECHO WITH 3-D AND STRAIN

When the doctor performs an echo with strain he also writes 3D. Do we just bill 93306 with 93356, or is there another code for the 3D (or is the 3D included in code 93356)?

URGENT: Trinav Catheter Coding Compliance Issue

We are a huge cancer center, and I don't want add to a patients expense. The question answered on #16115, I agree with that it wouldn't be a embolization code. Unfortunately we have Revenue Coding Strategies and Pinnacle who are agreeing with the IR physician that he would get the code 37242. They are stating that it is an occlusion device.

Can you please find out from SIR or AMA coding guidelines on this device? Without the guidance from one of them, I am being told we will bill it every time he uses the device as (37242 or 37243), even without embolization material used.

repeat PVI ablation

How would we code this repeat ablation following PVI? Would it make a difference if the attempts at isolating the RAA had been successful?

"A patient with persistent atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter after previous PVI returns to the OR for follow-up ablation. Mapping confirmed isolation of the left posterior atrial wall consistent with prior ablation. Due to recordings of atrial flutter, further applications of RF energy were applied anteriorly and medial to the left atrial appendage from the mitral valve annulus to the roof of the left atrium. Further applications of RF energy were applied anteriorly from the carina of the right pulmonary vein to the left atrial appendage. Due to recurrence of atrial fibrillation despite PVI, a decision was made to map the right atrium. Attempts at isolating the right atrial appendage were unsuccessful. A decision was made to terminate the procedure at that point."

Can you code 61645 and 76377 together?

I came across a scenario where a patient came in with a stroke and was emergently taken to the OR for the thrombectomy. The carotid angiogram was done to locate the location. Aspiration thrombectomy was then performed, but perfusion was not achieved. A second angiogram was done with a 3D rendering on a separate workstation, then aspiration thrombectomy was again attempted. I am not running into any NCCI edits or other edits with the two codes, but I cannot find any further guidance on coding 61645 and 76377 together. Can you please advise on the coding for this scenario?

AV angioplasty central segment and cephalic arch

When coding angioplasty/stent in peripheral and central segments of AV, are codes assigned for both segments if there is one long lesion starting at the cephalic arch and then into the subclavian vein? The cephalic vein is widely patent except for the cephalic arch. At the distal aspect of the cephalic arch, there was an 80% stenosis with that lesion crossing into the subclavian vein. If stent inserted at stenosis in cephalic arch and stent into subclavian vein, are codes 36903 and 36908 reported? We know the cephalic arch is peripheral, and we think codes are assigned per segment even if one lesion crosses both segments and would like confirmation.

Urologic cancer invading the cava

Co-surgery with urologist. Summary of vascular report: "I completely excised the tumor, leaving a very small rim of tumor in the cava. Once the left kidney was off the field, I was then able to place clamps in the renal vein, in the cava above and below the tumor, and finally was able to excise the rim of cava that was invaded with tumor. We were able to completely resect the tumor from the cava. We attempted a primary repair, but it was evident that a mismatch in size occurred. For this reason, I decided to patch the cava using bovine pericardium. A bovine pericardial patch was then shaped, cut, and anastomosed to the defect using 3-0 Prolene sutures, and with the aid of loupe magnification. Prior to completing the repair, we back-bled and flushed inflow and outflow sources, copiously irrigated the cava, and finally completed the repair." How should the repair (MD calls it a reconstruction) be reported: 35281 or 34502?

Add on 75774 with catheter movement in same vessel

Can we add a 75774 to an aortogram when catheter movement does not advance into a smaller vessel, but is just moving within the aorta (e.g., to get a better look at something visualized in the initial study)? Left femoral access into supraceliac aorta (36200) with findings seen there as well as in iliacs, SMA, IMA, and right renal (75625). Cath advanced into terminal aorta to more closely evaluate right renal. Can we add a 75774 here?

GJ Tub conversion versus replacement

My IR providers feel that if a patient has a GJ tube that migrates into the stomach and they fix it, it is considered a conversion and not a replacement. They are stating that because it is in the stomach it is acting as a G-tube rather than a GJ tube and therefore it is a conversion. Would this be a conversion or a replacement?

CPT code +0715T

Can you please help? My provider states Shockwave 0715T is a form of atherectomy. I am having a hard time understanding this because Shockwave is an add-on code to 92920, 92924, 92928, 92933, 92941, 92943, and 92975. It seems to me that if it was a form or part of an atherectomy that they would have just added Shockwave to the 92924 or 92933 description. Also what code should this be compared with since there is not a Medicare fee schedule? Is it most similar to 92975?

Aborted Coronary Intervention - 92920, 92928, 92943 -74

Multi-faceted question for different scenarios; however, all have the same end question regarding the -74 modifier. Report lower level code or what you intended to do?

  • Diagnostic coronary and physician is attempting to stent a coronary lesion. He states he easily crosses the lesion with a guidewire but is not able to cross with a balloon or stent. Do we charge 92920-74 or 92928-74?
  • Physician is performing staged staged PCI but cannot cross the lesion with the wire. Physician spent considerable amount of time on the effort (greater than 10 minutes). 92920-74 or 92928-74?
  • Diagnostic coronary and a lesion is found in the LAD. 10 minutes are spent attempting to cross the lesion without success and determine it is CTO. 92920-74 or 92943-74?

Auditors prefer we use the higher code but would appreciate your guidance. The only thing I found in Q&A was in regards to an aborted cardiac cath and the advice is "report the lower level procedure".

Breast clip for localization

What is the HCPCS level II code for breast clip? Medicare is asking the device code. Localization of breast was done with clip placement during mammo prior to breast excisional biopsy. Codes 19281-XE and 19125 were coded. This is hospital coding.

1 access for truncal and tributary veins-Varithena

"46-year-old male with history of RLE venous insufficiency with swelling, VV, and associated inflammatory change presenting for further superficial venous ablation. Limited US of the RLE was performed. Patient was then prepped and draped in usual sterile fashion utilizing chlorhexidene solution. A timeout was then performed identifying the correct patient, site, and procedure. 2% lidocaine was infiltrated for local anesthesia. A 25 gauge butterfly needle was then advanced into a superficial venous branch along the medial aspect of the lower calf. 6 mL of Varithena was then instilled with pressure held above/below the targeted venous segment for ~10 minutes.

Findings: 1) Limited US shows residual infragenicular GSV as well as two enlarged/incompetent venous tributaries extending along the anterior shin/medial aspect of the ankle (image stored). 2) Intraprocedural US images show sclerosant within all targeted venous structures (image stored)."

Physician confirmed that one truncal and two tributary veins txed. Is this all just a 36465-RT, or can the 36471-RT also be coded?

MAC catheter 36556 & RHC 93451 -Same Access

The physician inserts an MAC catheter and then advances a Swan. He does a full RHC and then sutures the Swan in place. Is it okay to charge for both RHC (93451) and non-tunneled CV catheter (36556) via the same access (i.e. RIJ access)?

Planned EVAR - AAA Intra-operative Rupture - 34705 or 34706?

A case was planned for an EVAR to treat an asymptomatic with AAA. During the procedure the AAA ruptured. Does the reason for the AAA rupture affect how it's coded 34706 instead of 34705? It is not entirely clear as to why the AAA ruptured. Does that matter?

"The physician deployed the main body of the graft without incident. The physician had difficulty cannulating the contralateral gate because of the patient anatomy. Multiple catheters, guidewires,  and two access with different sheaths were performed trying to complete the procedure. Another physician was called in, because a snare wire kept going outside the aneurysm, and a picture was shot through the sheath that showed the aneurysm had ruptured. The patient became hypotensive and did lose pulse and CPT was initiation return of spontaneous circulation was obtained, the ipsilateral and contralateral limbs were deployed, no evidence of endoleak. After closure the patient was transferred to ICU as she had coded 2 times during femoral artery repair."

Lower Extremity Angiography

"Left superficial femoral artery proximal, mid, and distal scattered 40 to 70% fibrocalcific stenoses. Right superficial femoral artery proximal, mid, and distal scattered 40 to 60% stenoses. Atherectomy of the left proximal, mid, and distal superficial femoral artery with a Hawk 1 atherectomy device; embolic protection with a EV 3 spider X 6.0 mm filter. Drug-coated balloon angioplasty to the left mid and distal superficial femoral artery with a Medtronic Inpact 6.0 x 150 mm, and proximal superficial femoral artery with a Medtronic Inpact 6.0 x 120 mm, in overlapping fashion. Ultrasound-guided access of right common femoral artery."

Can we report codes 37225, 75716-26, 76967-26?

Shockwave lithotripsy and angioplasty to Left Subclavian artery.

Since the codes for Shockwave lithotripsy are for coronary arteries or lower extremity arteries, how would a facility code Shockwave lithotripsy and angioplasty to the left subclavian artery? Would we use an unlisted code to cover both procedures, 37246 with an unlisted, or would the angioplasty code (37246) be sufficient?

Complete Joint Ultrasound

For a Medicare patient, the doctor orders, for example, complete joint ultrasounds of the bilateral hands/shoulders/elbows and also the knees and the ankles. Can each be billed with the appropriate modifier? I see in the book it says the MUE is 2 but the MAI is 3? Is that two sides per extremity? Each upper and lower?

Coding the new Alterra prestent with transcatheter pulmnary valve

How should the Alterra prestent with transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement/implant be coded? Would CPT code 33477 be all inclusive, or should this be reported with two different CPT codes?

20225 vs 62267

20225 vs. 62267?

"The skin opposite the left T11 pedicle was anesthetized with 1% Lidocaine. A small dermatotomy incision was made. Additional local anesthetic applied to the posterior pedicular cortex using a 22-gauge spinal needle. Using a 13 gauge/10 cm long Stryker faceted tip bone biopsy needle, osteotomy was performed and the needle was positioned within the mid 3rd segment of the vertebral body. Utilizing two 18 gauge/20 cm long Franseen needles, biopsy material was retrieved from the endplate/adjacent disc. Material was placed in brain broth. Additional sample placed in a sterile specimen cup containing small amount of normal saline. Attempt a core biopsy through the introducer needle was performed. This retrieved very little in the way of tissue. A new 13 gauge Stryker faceted tip bone biopsy needle was utilized with a slightly more inferior transpedicular approach. This yielded an excellent core biopsy along the superior endplate of L1. Final Impression: Fluoroscopically-guided left T11 transpedicular bone biopsy of superior T11 endplate and adjacent T10-T11 disc."

Assistant Surgeon

Can you please help me figure out this case. How can I capture the work for the pediatric interventionist who is helping another provider during difficult cases of balloon angioplasty (92990) or pulmonary artery stent? Is it possible to report the service the main code with modifier -80 or -82?

Norwood Procedure - Coding

What is the appropriate way of coding the Norwood procedure?

According to online resources (e.g. https://kidshealth.org/en/pare...), a Norwood procedure consists of:

1) Building a new, larger aorta

2) Creating a shunt (Blaylock-Taussig-Thomas shunt or Sano shunt) (e.g. 33750/33608)

3) PDA closure (e.g. 33820/33822/33824)

4) Making the ASD bigger (e.g. 33736)

Are the components of the Norwood procedure separately billable with 33619? (There are no NCCI edits when the components are billed with 33619.)

I came across only one resource that states the Sano shunt is not separately billable with the Norwood. See below.

https://www.sts.org/sites/defa...

Pulm Vein & Anterior Wall ablation

If the patient has a pulmonary vein ablation followed by a posterior and anterior wall ablation with proper documentation supporting, would that be 93656 and 93657 x 2?

Drain placement in bursa

"Patient has complex prepatellar bursal effusion with overlying cellulitis. Under direct sonographic control, a 5G Yueh catheter was advanced into a large pocket of complex fluid and connected to a three-way stopcock. Local aspiration was performed, yielding approximately 20 mL of mixed purulent and sanguinous fluid (but amongst three different syringes). Relevant images were permanently stored into PACS. Small drainage bag was then connected to the three-way stopcock and appropriate sterile dressing was applied."

If it was just an aspiration I would code 20611, but what would be the code for the drain placement? Is 10030 appropriate? 

Arch Angio

If catheter was placed in the arch but imaging was only performed of the arch, innominate, and subclavian (not of the extracranial, vertebral or intracranial arteries), would you report code 36221 or 75605?

C2616 Units

The patient underwent liver radioembolization using Y90 microspheres. The patient received one dose of 51.7 mCi to the right lobe segment 6/7 and a second dose of 26.5 mCi to the right lobe segment 6/7. The provider charged for C2616 x2. The provider stated that each vial is sealed and accounts for one administration only, and sometimes two doses are needed to deliver the proper radiation to the target area. Should the microspheres be reported as C2616 x2, or should only one unit be reported since they were delivered to the same target? The MUE for C2616 is 1 per day.

Upgrade from a Dual PPM to BIV PPM

We are getting conflicting answers as to what to code for an upgrade from a dual PPM to biventricular. Physician took out generator and replaced with new generator and added an RV lead. One of our coders suggested 33228 (dual generator change) and 33225 (insert biventricular lead). I was thinking 33213 (insert PPM generator with existing dual leads) and 33225. Can you please help us?

can a CARTO and TIPS revision be billed together? 37241 and 37183?

Can both billed together? 37241 and 37183

TIPS revision 12 mm balloon angioplasty of the TIPS was done with balloon sweep of thrombus (thrombectomy). Post intervention venogram demonstrated patency of the TIPS with an area of residual thrombus/occlusion at the superior portion. The portosystemic gradient measured approximately 25 mmHg. Subsequently, the superior portion of the TIPS was extended with 11 mm VBX stent Which was post-dilated to 12 mm.

EMBOLIZATION AND SCLEROTHERAPY: Through the retrograde groin accesses, the following interventions were done:

1.  Deployment of multiple detachable coils to occlude the renal venous communication to the shunt.

2.  Exchange to long 10 French sheath and subsequent deployment of 2 cm Amplatzer plug within the shunt in vicinity of the caval/lumbar communication

Kyphoplasty w/IR and Surgeon

It looks as though the IR physician is doing the fluoroscopy for the neurosurgeon. Can this even be billed? These are different surgeons/groups/NPIs, etc. I'm billing for the physician portion. I'm not sure what to do with this.

"TECHNIQUE: Intraoperative fluoroscopy was provided. Eighteen images. Fluoroscopy time: 3.6 minutes, total estimated skin dose: 96.4 mGy. FINDINGS: Images show scoliotic curvature of the spine with T11 and L3 fracture deformities. Imaging showing needle placement via the pedicles at the T11 and L3 level are provided. Balloon inflation and bone cement injection are then noted. Bone cement is seen throughout the T11 vertebral body with extension into the pedicles. At the L3 level there is extension of bone cement into the L3/4 disc space. Atherosclerotic calcification is noted. IMPRESSION: Intraoperative fluoroscopy was provided. Please refer to the operative report."

Bilateral IMA embolization for TMJ disorder

Can we report code 61626 x2 for bilateral IMA embolization performed for bilateral TMJ ankylosis prior to bilateral TMJ replacement?

Fascia iliaca and popliteal single-shot vs. continuous infusion

Our coding group is having discussions on post-op pain block reporting for the facility. Over the years, CPT Assistant and Coding Clinic for HCPCS have given advice, and we want to be sure we are interpreting current guidance correctly.

Per CPT Assistant, January 2021, CPT code 64999 should be used for a continuous fascia iliaca pain block. Is code 64450 still correct for a single-shot fascia iliaca pain block (per CPT Assistant, September 2015)?

We have pre-operative ultrasound-guided popliteal blocks from a popliteal fossa approach done by the anesthesia team for post-op pain for foot/ankle surgeries. We have been reporting these with 64450. If this type of block is a continuous infusion, is code 64450 still correct for this circumstance, or should we report 64446 or 64999 instead?

Redo TCAR with balloon angioplasty of stent, embolic protection device

Should this be reported with 37215-78-52 or 37246-GZ?

"Poor expansion of the right internal carotid stent was likely an embolic event. After extensive workup and anticoagulation and antiplatelet regimen instituted, the consensus opinion was had, and repeat TCAR with ballooning of this poorly expanded stent would be immediately helpful as well as for long-range stent durability and patency. Left common femoral vein access had been obtained with ultrasound guidance, and this was upsized to 8 French silk sheath. We then initiated passive flow reversal checking for excellent flow, then clamped the common carotid artery proximal to the sheath to allow for active flow reversal. We performed angiography in two views, and stent was then decompressed and inadequately expanded, used first-day #5 and then a 6 x 40 mm balloon for re-angioplasty with full flow reversal." 

93657 units

Would you agree with coding 93656, 93657 or 93656, 93657x4 for procedure below:

Indication: Persistent atrial fibrillation despite three ablations. Under ultrasound guidance two sheaths were placed in the right and one in the left femoral vein. Patient subsequently heparinized. A phased array Accunav ultrasound catheter was advanced to the right atrium. Under direct ultrasound visualization, the interatrial septum was crossed anteriorly and inferiorly with a safe-sept wire through a BRK-1 needle through a SL-0 sheath. The LA was mapped with a pentaray. The common left vein was isolated. The RSPV was isolated. The RIPV was patent. The VOM was cannulated. 1.5 cc ETOH injected through a 1.5 mm balloon. The RIPV was reisolated. Linear ablation was performed with RF across the left atrial roof. Linear ablation was performed with RF across the left atrial floor. Focal posterior wall ablation was performed isolating the posterior wall. He was cardioverted to sinus rhythm. Exit block was confirmed posteriorly. Patient left EP lab in good condition.

Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention

Patient presents with a chronic total occlusion of the left common iliac to external iliac artery. The provider placed two stents: one in the common iliac artery and another in the external iliac artery. The provider believes the concept of a bridging/contiguous lesion does not apply to CTOs. Since this is a CTO extending from the common iliac through the external iliac, would it be appropriate to bill codes 37221 and 37223?

ASC coding question

In POS 24 (ASC), can you bill the 36906 and an additional stent device code? If yes, what are those device codes? I am trying to understand if you can bill for the cost of implantable items like coils, stents, etc. in additoon to the CPT codes.

Aorto-iliac pseudoaneurysm w/right iliac stenosis

Patient presents w/bilateral LE claudication and an aortogram w/ileo-fem runoff finding of a distal aortic pseudoaneurysm in combination w/a RT iliac pseudoaneurysm along w/a significant stenosis in the RT CIA estimated at 75% w/IVUS. To avoid possible rupture/perforation of the aortic pseudoaneurysm if only treating the CIA lesions (no findings are documented for the LT CIA), the provider deployed an 11mm x 29 VBX stent into the distal aorta to cover the pseudoaneurysm. He then advanced kissing stents into the bilateral CIA lesions to reconstruct the aortic bifurcation. Since the provider treated both an aneurysm and stenosis in the same vessel (RT CIA) would we look to capturing the kissing stents (37221-50) as the primary procedure? Or would this be considered an aneurysm repair instead and if so what would be the code option since individual stents rather than an endograft (i.e 34705) was being used? Your guidance is greatly appreciated.

10005/10006 vs 38505x2?

Should the following be reported with 10005/10006 or 38505 x 2? 

"Informed consent was obtained. Limited ultrasound of the bilateral cervical and inguinal nodes were obtained. One right and one left cervical lymph nodes were identified as possible abnormal targets for biopsy. No abnormal inguinal lymph nodes were visualized that would correspond to PET scan from May. The overlying skin was prepped and draped in the typical sterile fashion. Time out was performed. The skin and soft tissues of the right neck were infiltrated with 1% lidocaine. With ultrasound guidance, fine needle aspiration of a right superior neck cervical lymph node was done in two passes with 25 gauge needles. Attention was shifted to the left neck, where again the skin and soft tissues of the neck were infiltrated with 1% lidocaine. Under ultrasound guidance, fine needle aspiration of a left superior neck cervical lymph node was done in two passes with 25 gauge needles. The specimens were sent to pathology for analysis. Post biopsy scan was performed. The skin was then cleaned and a sterile bandage applied. No immediate complication was noted."

Interpretation After Death

When a physician's review and interpretation is not completed until after the patient is deceased, is this still a billable physician's service? Example: External ECG was placed and removed prior to patient's time of death. It was analyzed and then sent to physician to review and report. Code 93242 was billed by us on date placed, and code 93243 was billed on date analyzed by company who completes analysis and sent back to our physician. Patient met untimely death prior to physician finishing interpretation two days later. What date should be used to bill 93244?

PPM gen removal and replace- add new deep septal /left bundle lead

Patient had RA RV leads. Physician placed a deep septal/LV lead.

"Using the glidewire, a steerable His sheath and dilator were advanced past the tricuspid valve and extended towards the septum just distal to the tricuspid valve. A passive fixation 3830 His lead was advanced and using pacing morphology guidance, a suitable deep septal site was identified. The lead was advanced using passive fixation but failed to achieve appropriate pacing morphology (rsR in lead v1) and the lead was withdrawn and repositioned further proximally towards the septal tricuspid valve. A second appropriate site was identified using pacing morphology. The lead was advanced and appropriate narrowing with acceptable pacing morphology was identified. Adequate pace/sense parameters were obtained. We now have RA, RV and a Deep septal / LB lead WITH NEW GENERATOR. Analysis and programming of a biventricular PPM at implant."

How would this be coded? Is it 33229 and 33225? Or 33229 and 33216? He's calling it a biventricular placement.

Fistula remote access 36901-52 and 36012

Could you please clarify if we can code 36901-52 and 36012? It seems like he moved the catheter back to stent the subclavian after he had accessed the fistula.

"Under sonographic guidance, right common femoral vein was accessed with a 21 gauge micropuncture needle. A 7 French sheath was inserted. Right cephalic AV fistula was catheterized with 5 French Kumple catheter and 0.35 guidewire. Right cephalic fistulogram and central venogram were performed. Right subclavian/innominate venous stenosis was angioplastied with a 12 x 60 mm balloon and stented with a 14 x 60 mm Cook Zilver Vena stent. The stent was dilated with a 12 mm balloon."

Carotid Exposure for TAVR

If a vascular surgeon performs the carotid exposure and catheter placement in the ascending aorta for a transcarotid TAVR, can it be reported separately? If so, would it be an unlisted code?

Venous Catheter Placement

How would you code this catheter placement?

"CTA showed deep venous thrombosis of the entire left lower extremity venous system. Sheath was placed in the left tibial vein. EKOS catheter was advanced and placed at the left common iliac vein extending distally to the femoral vein. The patient will be brought back for lysis check."

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